Here is today's summary of economic development news, a free service of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, representing Alabama's private sector investment in economic development. If you enjoy NewsFlash, thank an
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MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WTOK)- Alabama governor Kay Ivey on Monday announced that the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices has chosen Alabama as one of six states to participate in a policy academy focused on work-based learning aimed at producing a skilled workforce.

Work-based learning blends work experience and applied learning to develop foundational and technical skills in hopes of expanding a person's education, career and employment opportunities.

"When I announced my Strong Start, Strong Finish education initiative, I made clear my desire to give Alabamians the best opportunities possible to obtain the skills necessary to be competitive in the workforce," Governor Ivey said. "I am thankful to the National Governors Association for choosing Alabama to work collaboratively with other states to develop concrete plans to develop our workforce."

GREENVILLE, South Carolina - Business leaders from across Alabama are participating in an international conference that seeks to strengthen economic and cultural ties between the southeastern U.S. and the country of Japan.

The 40th Annual Joint Meeting of the Southeast U.S.-Japan & Japan-U.S. Southeast Associations, known as
SEUS Japan 40, is being held in Greenville, South Carolina, this week.

Alabama Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield is leading the 28-member Alabama delegation and is speaking at today's opening session.

Gov. Kay Ivey will be in Huntsville Tuesday to break ground on a new $16 million aerospace manufacturing plant for Aerojet Rocketdyne. The plant is expected to employ a minimum of 750 people with an average salary of $79,560.

The 136,000-square-foot plant will be located in north Huntsville at 7800 Drake Avenue in the North Huntsville Industrial Park. It will produce rocket engines using composites and additive manufacturing. Construction will begin in December.

Aerojet Rocketdyne is also building a separate $11 million headquarters in Huntsville's Cummings Research Park. Construction on that will begin in January. City officials say total employment at both facilities could reach 1,200 employees.

Alabama Launchpad is the state's largest seed fund. With up to $200,000 on the line and expert judges deciding the winners, this competition is high stakes for the 6 finalists.

Beyond the competing teams, the event begins with a meet and greet and a panel discussion. The night concludes with live music and entertainment.

Whether you're new to Alabama's entrepreneurial ecosystem or a veteran, you'll find a helpful community and useful information at the startup competition finale.

November's event highlights include:

Great food and drinks included with your ticket

Panel discussion on how to start and fund your company

A sneak peek at our plans for 2018

Alabama Launchpad, a program of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, promotes and rewards high-growth, innovative startups across Alabama. Alabama Launchpad is for new ventures in the concept or seed stages seeking support and connections to capital providers in the state and region.

New master's program designed to bolster Alabama industry, economic development

Special to the News

Oct 20, 2017

Auburn University is launching a new online Master of Engineering Management degree that will support the state's multi-billion dollar manufacturing and technology industries.

The new program, recently approved by the Alabama Commission on Higher Education, will launch in spring 2018.

"This master's degree program is among the first of its kind in the region," said Christopher B. Roberts, dean of the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering. "It is a direct response to the needs of Alabama industry and will bolster our economic development efforts by providing graduate students with a solid foundation of engineering and project management principles."

GEDI Policy Summit: Blueprint for Rural Alabama will bring together Alabama state, county and municipal elected officials, administrators, employees and major stakeholders to discuss public policy issues affecting Rural Alabama. Presentations and round table discussions will explore rural healthcare, education and schools, workforce development, and economic and community development strategies. The Summit will be held November 15-16, 2017, at the Marriott Grand National Hotel and Conference Center located at 3700 Robert Trent Jones Trail in Opelika, Alabama.